March Climate Recap
The month of February was very cold and one of the snowiest on record, but the script flipped heading into March with temperatures for the month averaging more than four degrees above normal at 58.3 degrees. The first week of the month featured near to slight below normal, but the middle half of the month recorded highs in the 70s to just above 80 degrees, well above average. Temperatures dropped back to near average to end the month.
Precipitation was near normal until the last week of the month when a total of 6.74" fell starting on the 25th, which would have been above normal for the entire month if the first 24 days of the month were thrown out. In sum, precipitation totaled more than 4 inches above average. Nearly 4" of rain fell on the 27th, when severe weather also occurred, a daily record. Severe weather occurred on the 27th. On the 27th, scattered wind damage occurred across the area and a total of five weak (EF-0, EF-1) tornadoes touched down in the region, including four in Mississippi County and one in Tate County. Additional reports of localized flooding were received on the 1st, 17th, and 27th.
Memphis International Airport, Memphis, TN
Temperature
Average temperature: 58.3 degrees (4.3 degrees above average)
Average high temperature: 68.8 degrees (4.9 degrees above average)
Average low temperature: 47.9 degrees (3.8 degrees above average)
Warmest temperature: 81 degrees (16th, 27th)
Coolest temperature: 31 degree (3rd)
Heating Degrees Days: 219 (139 below average)
Cooling Degree Days: 20 (3 above average)
Records set or tied: None
Comments: Only one day recorded a low temperature at or below freezing, two days below average for March.
Precipitation
Monthly total: 9.37" (4.21" above average)
Days with measurable precipitation: 10 (0.5 days above average)
Wettest 24-hour period: 3.77" (27th)
Snowfall: 0.0" (0.4" below average)
Records set or tied: Record daily maximum rainfall - 3.77" (27th)
Comments: Four days recorded precipitation of more than an inch, 2.4 days above average for March.
Miscellaneous
Peak wind: Southwest/47 mph (27th)
Average wind: 8.7 mph
Average relative humidity: 62%
Average sky cover: 56%
Click here for a daily statistical recap for Memphis International Airport.
Cirrus Weather Solutions / MemphisWeather.net, Bartlett, TN
Temperature
Average temperature: 57.2 degrees
Average high temperature: 69.2 degrees
Average low temperature: 45.9 degrees
Warmest temperature: 75.6 degrees (28th)
Coolest temperature: -0.3 degrees (16th)
Comments: None
Precipitation
Monthly total: 8.04" (automated rain gauge), 8.85"(manual CoCoRaHS rain gauge)
Days with measurable precipitation: 10
Wettest date: 2.41" (27th) (via automated gauge)
Snowfall: 0.0"
Comments: None
Miscellaneous
Peak wind: West/31 mph (17th)
Average relative humidity: 69%
Average barometric pressure: 30.08 in. Hg
Click here for a daily statistical recap for Bartlett, TN.
Comments: None
MWN Forecast Accuracy
MWN average temperature error: 2.60 degrees
MWN forecast temperatures within 2 degrees of actual: 58%
MWN average dewpoint error: 3.80 degrees
MWN forecast dewpoints within 2 degrees of actual: 45%
MWN's forecasts extend out five periods (2.5 days, or roughly 60 hours). Historical accuracy statistics can be found here.
Climate Outlook - April 2021
The April climate outlook for the United States from the Climate Prediction Center is shown below. Above average temperatures are forecast for a large section of the United States with highest probabilities from the western Great Lakes through the Plains. Below average temperatures are forecast in the Pacific Northwest. Odds favor above average temperatures for Memphis (49%) versus only 18% chance of below average temperatures. The average temperature for April is 62.9 degrees.
Precipitation is expected to be below normal from the central Rockies into the southern Plains and across much of the Deep South in April. Above average precipitation is forecast for a small section of the Upper Midwest. For Memphis, odds favor near average rainfall. Precipitation historically averages 5.50 inches.
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Complete MWN Forecast: MemphisWeather.net on the mobile web or via the MWN mobile app
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